Anti-Fraud Roadshow
Police in the North East have this week launched a new Anti-Fraud Roadshow in order to raise public awareness on the risks of fraud.
The roadshow has been developed in response to an increase in reports of scams and frauds over the covid-19 pandemic. Losses due to scams and fraud in the North East have ranged anywhere from £5 up to £550,000.
To tackle the issue, specially trained police officers in partnership with Trading Standards teams from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray councils will be touring the area throughout the summer to offer advice.
Police Scotland and partners will be setting up information stalls in various locations including garden centres, farmers markets and local businesses, where the public can seek advice on how to avoid being defrauded or what to do if they have been a victim of fraud.
Inspector Claire Smith said : “Our officers will be touring the North East visiting various different groups, organisations and events throughout the summer with advice on how to avoid being defrauded through the many types of scams – often online, by phone or even in person. Fraudsters are targeting everyone in our communities, not only the elderly and vulnerable. Everyone is at risk.”
Sergeant David Williamson from the Cyber Enabled Crime Team said : “Police Scotland are committed to tackling fraud in the North East of Scotland. Whilst pursuing the criminals who commit fraud and supporting victims of crime is a priority, the importance of preventing fraud from occurring in the first instance cannot be overstated. The Police Scotland Fraud Roadshow aims to proactively engage with our communities, delivering critical fraud prevention messaging and safety advice. I would encourage anyone who can attend one of these events to do so.”
Graeme Paton, Trading Standards Manager, Aberdeen City Council Trading Standards Service, said : “Scams are a scourge on our communities. Fraudsters will stop at nothing to part us from our hard-earned cash and their methods are continually evolving. These roadshows are an excellent opportunity to highlight their latest forms and the steps we can take to make sure we don’t fall for them.”
Vanessa Wilson, Lead Officer, Intervention and Preventions Team at Aberdeenshire Trading Standards said: “The launch of the fraud roadshow coincides with the creation of an Intervention & Preventions Team within Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards service. The team has a wide remit which includes educating consumers and providing them with the knowledge, tools and confidence to identify scams, the fraudsters who perpetrate them and what action they can take if they are targeted. The team welcomes any opportunity to work collaboratively with partners to protect consumers and to achieve our combined goals of tackling online and doorstep crime.”
The fraud roadshow launch took place outside Marischal College on Monday, 9 May 2022.
